Warm Fuzzies

Sometimes, the universe reminds you that people are wonderful.

As you all know, I've been knitting the Birthday Pi--it still looks pretty much like this, for a given level of blobbyness:


I've become a bit concerned that I'll run out of yarn. I have about 50 rows left on the body, and then the edging to do, and I've used more than half my skein.

Running out would be especially problematic as not only is Arabella discontinued anyway, but when Tony at Posh dyes, he dyes in small batches and doesn't repeat dye combinations. Which means that the only other yarn in the world that matches this one would be a skein dyed at the same time, more than two years ago. Eep.

I'd thought of a couple workarounds, but last night I thought, "first things first," and decided to check Ravelry stashes to see if anyone had Arabella in this or a coordinating colorway. (I'm reasonably sure I can get to the end of the body, at least . . .) Lo and behold, I found someone right away with the exact same yarn. And, although she didn't have it listed for sale or trade, when I pm'd to ask, she responded right away, saying she'd be happy to send it along if I need it, but assuring me that I won't run out!

This sort of thing gives me such warm fuzzies. The knitting community is full of such kind, generous people, and it makes me happy to know that I'm connected to them. <3

Year of the Sock: April in Retrospect

Well. I'm a little behind. But I have been knitting some.

This is the first sock of a pair of Graphics from Melissa Morgan-Oaks's Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks. Fabulous book, by the way.


I'm knitting these out of ZAUBERBALL in "Chocolate Cream"--don't you love it?

These are for my dad; for Christmas I gave him a "coupon" for a pair of socks in any color or style he fancies. He checked "surprise me!" so I went with the Zauberball. I'm hoping the cables will add warmth and stability so he can wear them with his boots.

I was also knitting the Irishman some socks in that lovely Sweet Georgia yarn, but I frogged 'em Wednesday night. The calf was coming out way too big (even for him). I think I just need to knit all his socks toe-up.

But that does put me seriously behind. I'm trying to have the Zauberball socks done in time for Father's Day, although that still leaves me down a pair for the year.

I've just felt blah about knitting lately--everything seems uninspired and limp. Maybe once I've finished the albatross cross-stitch my mojo will return. (It's almost finished! I'm literally on the last color of the back-stitching!)

Sheep and Wool!

This last weekend was the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, and oh, how much fun it was! I went yesterday and wandered all around and saw the sheeps and every little thing.

And of course I indulged in a little stash enhancement.

First, this pretty from Spirit Trail Fiberworks. I've heard and seen nothing but good things about Jen's yarns, so of course I had to stop by. And this is the result:


It's Clotho, a 100% merino laceweight, colorway "Sapphire." Looooooove.

And then this, from Maple Creek Farm:


Oh, how I wish y'all could touch this; the picture can't possibly do it justice--it's her "Portland" 50/50 silk/merino. Last year, I stopped by this booth and wanted something (I forget what, exactly) but moved on as I was only looking. When I got back it was gone, horrors. So this year, I was determined to get what I wanted from this, and this was it. I'm not usually such a BLUE blue person, but the Portland caught my eye when I wandered by the booth the first time, and I thought about it all day. So after lunch, I went back and snapped it up!

As always, a wonderful time at Sheep and Wool . . . I'm not crazy about Maryland in some ways, but I love living so close to the festival!

Still Alive

Just don't have much to show for it. Still knitting the Birthday Pi, which grows ever-larger. Still knitting socks (although I suspect I will be behind for April). Still sleepy, even at 12:23 PM. You know, the usual.

Year of the Sock: March

Well, I'm technically a day behind, but that's not bad at all. At lunch today (after the menus and before the food), I finished the second Twisted Angles sock.


Yarn: Malabrigo Sock (440 yds/100g, 100% superwash merino), colorway "Archangel."


I made several alterations to the pattern. I felt the Malabrigo was so soft and loosely plied that it needed to be knit at a very tight gauge. Since I'm a loose knitter, this mean size US00/1.75mm needles. For the same reason, I substituted a slip-stitch heel for the regular garter-bordered heel written in the pattern.


Since the feet were biasing so badly, I used a French toe. It alleviates the problem by dividing the foot stitches into thirds instead of halves.


And a fabulous pair of socks. Happy birthday to their lucky recipient . . . who shall remain nameless for now!

Rare Meta Non-Knitting Post

This is just to say
I have started a new blog
which you probably won't be reading

Forgive me
books are interesting
So sweet
and so full of tasty info nuggets.

William Carlos Williams was SUCH a better poet than I am.

Anyway, 'tis true, I am now blogging about books and feminism at The Feminist Book Project. Do come visit.

Whole Lotta Nappin' Goin' On

Not much to report here lately. I've passed the gusset on the second Twisted Angles sock, so with luck I'll have that done by the end of the week.

I also put in some work on the back of the alpaca sweater when we went to the theater a few weekends ago, so it is almost ready to start the armhole shaping.

That's been postponed, however, in favor of the Birthday Pi. I'm about halfway through Clue 3, so I won't be winning any speed prizes. (From the sound of it, though, I may still distinguish myself in the KAL; the other participants are also taking a leisurely tack.)


The only novelty to report is that I did cast on a new pair of socks for the Irishman, though it's far too early to tell that they'll be Sailor's Delight. He's had his eye on this Tough Love Sock ever since I brought it back from New York last summer. It's really quite cute how he thought he was being all crafty when picking it out.

Year of the Sock: Still in It to Win It*

I managed to finish the Big Black Socks just under the wire for February--I bound them off while watching Maryland lose to UNC on the 27th (go Terps!)


Yarn: Cascade Pima Tencel (50/50 cotton/lyocel), color 7779. Pattern: Mindless Socks. US 2.5/3.0mm needles.

As well as finishing those, I've actually finished the first of the Twisted Angles. Check out the absolute gorgeousness of the gusset:


I felt like the Malabrigo needed a very tight gauge to be at all wearable, so these are quite small socks. Fortunately, I had a perfect model handy:


This is our patient and long-suffering fake foot. She is currently modeling a plain Zauberballe Crazy sock, but graciously agreed to help me out for a few shots.

The lace pattern biased very badly on the foot, but a French toe helped with that.

And I'm on track for March; I'm alllllllmost to the heel flap, which I should have done plus gusset by the end of the weekend. This Year of the Sock thing is working out!

*Unlike my bracket. You have betrayed me, Syracuse!

The Manly Möbius

My friend Brandon and I were browsing a clothing store when he said—fondling a machine-made horror—“I should buy a scarf!” I said (the refrain of knitters everywhere), “Don't buy that; I can knit you one!” It had to be a möbius, since Brandon is a theoretical physicist, and it's snug and warm to keep his neck cozy while he bikes to and from campus.

YARN: For Brandon's möbius, I used Zhonghua Wool, a gift from a thoughtful friend who was living in China. Any heavy aran or light bulky-weight wool would do nicely for this pattern. (Or cast on more stitches to use worsted weight.) I suggest Mission Falls 1824, Lamb's Pride Bulky, or Malabrigo Twist.

SIZE: One size, approximately 6.5 inches long and 12.5 inches wide (doubled) when washed.

Thanks to Brandon, my möbius inspiration and model, and to SQ for the beautiful yarn!

This pattern is available for $4 USD through Ravelry.

Birthday Pi!

Jane of the Mawelucky Love Rav group is giving us all a treat--a surprise birthday pi shawl. The first clue was released on Pi Day (of course), the second on Tuesday, and the third is due today.

I'm using this beautiful Posh:


This photo is rather dark, but it's a mix of pretty purples with a grey/purple streak thrown in.

Here is a bad picture partway through Clue 1 (I'm slow):


I've never knit a circular shawl before, but I'm up for a challenge as always. You should come knit along with us!